The Art of Peony Care by Lovebird Flowers

Peony season is one of the most anticipated times of year at Lovebird Flowers, a fleeting moment of pure floral magic. With their billowy layers, heady fragrance, and soft romantic charm, peonies are the darlings of late spring and early summer. Whether you’ve just brought home a bouquet from our shop or received a lush delivery from someone who adores you, here’s how to keep your peonies looking their best for as long as possible.

🌸 1. Unwrap with Care

When you first receive your peonies, gently unwrap the bouquet and remove any packaging. If the blooms are still in bud form—don’t worry! Peonies are known to arrive tightly closed and will gradually unfurl in the days to come.

Lovebird Tip: If you’re hoping to speed up their opening, place the bouquet in a warm room and refresh the water often. You can also gently loosen the outer petals to encourage blooming.

✂️ 2. Give Them a Fresh Cut

Trim the stems at a sharp angle using clean scissors or garden clippers. This allows the peonies to absorb water more effectively. We recommend trimming at least 1–2 inches from the base.

Repeat this process every two days to keep your peonies hydrated and happy.

💦 3. Choose the Right Vase + Water

Fill a clean vase with room-temperature water, and be sure to remove any leaves that would fall below the water line—this helps prevent bacterial growth. Change the water every 1–2 days, and give the vase a rinse to keep things fresh.

Add flower food if provided (our bouquets always come with some!), or make your own with a pinch of sugar and a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar.

🌤 4. Display Away from Heat + Sunlight

Peonies are delicate and do best in a cool space away from direct sunlight, heaters, or drafts. While they love a little warmth to open up, too much heat will shorten their vase life.

Ideal placement: Near a window with indirect light, on a bedside table, or as a centrepiece in a softly lit room.

🕰️ 5. Embrace the Moment

Peonies are known for their ephemeral beauty. Even with the best care, they’ll only last about 5–7 days in a vase—but what a glorious week it is! As they age, peonies often fade into the softest, most romantic hues and let their petals fall in a slow, poetic dance.

Lovebird Flowers Philosophy: We believe flowers are meant to be enjoyed in the present—because beauty, like love, is often at its most precious when it’s fleeting.

💫 Bonus: How to Preserve Peonies

Can’t bear to part with them? Try air drying the blooms once they’ve opened fully. Hang them upside down in a dry, dark place for a few weeks, and they’ll keep their vintage charm long after summer has passed.

Our Favourite Time of Year

We only get a short window to enjoy peonies in London, Ontario—typically late May through mid-June—so each stem is truly special. When you order from Lovebird Flowers,  know that we hand-select every bloom at its peak, always prioritizing freshness, quality, and beauty.

Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply want to brighten a summer day, peonies are always a heartfelt choice. Come see what’s in bloom in the shop or online while they last. Shop Now